The Guide

to US Real Estate

Common Real Estate Practices

THE MLS

In the US, almost all new real estate listings are posted to the Multiple
Listing Service – or MLS – within 24 hours of coming up for sale. This ensures
that active listings are available to all agents, and differs from practices in
many other countries, where buyers have to go from agent to agent to find a
property. However, a number of listings in certain markets – the luxury market
in particular – remain “pocket” or “quiet” listings. Hence, it is important to
have real estate agents working for you – like those at Hopkins, McHugh & Finn
with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate – who are in the know about both MLS
listings and pocket properties.

THE COMMISSIONS

The sales commission in the US is always paid by the seller, and then divided
equally between both the buyer’s and seller’s brokers and agents. Generally,
commissions range from 4 to 6 percent, depending on the property and the market.
Buyers here don’t pay a dime to have a real estate broker working on their
behalf, and it is therefore always advisable to work with an experienced broker
or agent who will protect your interests in the transaction. Kenton Hopkins,
David McHugh and Benjamin Finn specialize in helping international buyers
achieve their real estate goals and lifestyle needs.

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TESTIMONIALS

It is the sixth transaction you have handled for me. In every one of the transactions, the results were the same -- every detail professionally managed so that each transaction was painless and worry free.

Terry Scott // President, CEO, Director Airimba Wireless

Although I have not bought homes in that many states (mostly New York), the process that David and Kenton orchestrated was a model of practicality, full disclosure and efficiency.

Francis J. Greenburger // President and Founder Time Equities, Inc.

You and David did a great job of educating us on the marketplace and bridging the buyer and seller expectations on this transaction. Also, many thanks for your recommendation of local counsel. She did a great job.

Your ability to make the process of creating a mountain home for us was seamless and a wonderful, first rate experience. We can’t thank you enough.

Patrick Ahearn // Ahearn Architecture

Most importantly, Susan and I appreciated working with someone that we could trust. Trust is always the most important factor in a relationship with a real estate broker, especially since we were handling the transaction from Florida.

John T. Touchton Jr. // Principal of Bayshore Capital Advisors

One of the most competent professionals I’ve ever dealt with. He took the time up front to get to know us and fully understand our needs and wants.

Ray Holman // Chairman of Mallinckrodt

After the contract was executed, Kenton provided even more service, including personal property inspection, a written review of our new neighborhood, a listing of potential service providers, and even proposed introductions to our new neighbors.